Portable, Fully-Immersive Sim Contained In A 20-Foot Cargo Trailer

Simulators On Site (S.O.S) received full FAA certification AATD and BATD for generic helicopter simulator system in November, according to company owner and president Steve Nelson. The system is an immersive technology with a separate instructor station that is built in to an 18-20 foot cargo trailer. The first simulated cockpit environment is that of a Bell 206/407 Jet Ranger.

SOS Day Simulation Image Courtesy SOS

S.O.S. has patented what is known as a Surround Screen Simulator, which directly projects images onto a screen measuring 220 X 85 degrees. This system, which can also be replicated in a stationary office environment, was designed by and built by engineers who are pilots. Nelson, himself a flight instructor and FAA licensed engineer, says the simulator immerses the pilot in the environment. He says the pilot doesn't look into a single or multi flat screen CRT.

When asked by FAA inspector Lance Knuckles, "Why did you start with a helicopter?" Nelson said, "It was the hardest one to do and I figured if I do the hardest first the rest will be easy".

The S.O.S simulator uses a Garmin GPS unit. All cockpits will be designed to precisely replicate the simulated aircraft. The system allows multiple simulators to be networked, both locally and over the internet. Because of S.O.S.'s patented optical system, pilots can train on slope landings, tail in hover, nose in hover, and use of real night vision goggles. Nelson says because of the patented imaging of this simulator there is no distortion and no hot spots. It also eliminates 'stair-stepping' of the horizon, even with rapid maneuvers. Along with this immersive technology comes patented data feedback with vibrations and sound.

SOS Night Simulation Image Coutesy SOS

The instructors station is comprised of 6 separate screens to monitor all phases of pilot training. Three represent  "out the window" views, one is the instructors screen with mapping and instructor controls, one for viewing the trainee, and one to duplicate instrument panel inside the aircraft.

FAA certification was performed on X-PLANE platform Version 8.64 and above. S.O.S. offers sales as well as lease options, rentals, and says it will consider mobile scheduling of their portable units.

FMI: www.simulatorsonsite.com